So you’ve decided to japa. You’re tired of NEPA, endless traffic, and your landlord’s motivational speeches disguised as rent reminders.
You’ve sold your microwave, told your boss “It’s not you, it’s the exchange rate,” and you’ve even started saying “in this country” like you’re no longer part of it.
Now all that’s left is the visa. Enter “Japa Plug,” the mysterious friend of a friend who says he can get you a UK, US, or Canada visa for ₦50k (or some other ridiculous amount).
If you believe that, we have one million naira land in Banana Island to sell to you.
READ ALSO: 5 Ways to Fund Your Japa Plans
Here’s how to spot a fake japa agent:
1. “₦50k only. I’ll do everything.”
You: How much is the visa?
Them: Just 50k, trust me, I have my ways.
You: Suspicious look
A visa application for most countries costs way more than 50k. Add biometric fees, service charges, medicals, IELTS, and you’re looking at a six-digit affair; minimum. Someone offering you an entire relocation for the price of one bag of Basmati rice is not a helper; they are a highway robber in disguise.
2. No website, just WhatsApp and vibes
If the “agency” doesn’t have an actual website, email address, or office address and their “logo” was clearly made with Microsoft Paint, run! If their only online presence is a Twitter account with three followers and a bio that says “DM for slots,” delete the chat and cleanse your phone with Hypo. That’s a fake japa agent!
3. “I helped 20 people last month!”
…but somehow all the pictures they show you are either celebrities or grainy stock photos from the internet. One of them is even Lupita Nyong’o at the Oscars. Please.
If they can’t produce real testimonials, verifiable references, or at least a voice note from someone who’s not their cousin, that’s a red flag.
4. “I know someone inside.”
This is the equivalent of “I know the owner” when trying to enter Quilox for free. Unless the person “inside” is Jesus or the immigration minister himself, this claim holds zero weight.
Anyone who uses more name-dropping than actual process explanation is building castles in the sky. With your money.
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5. They want to fill the form for you but can’t explain what it’s asking.
Me: What does this part mean?
Agent: Just say YES. Always YES.
You’re applying for immigration, not playing Family Feud. If the person handling your paperwork can’t explain what IRCC or USCIS means, that’s not an agent; that’s a danger to your future.
So, how do you avoid these fake japa agents?
– Stick to official channels. Most countries have government websites with clear immigration guidelines. Use them. They’re free, accessible, and not out to steal your December budget.
– Ask real japa people. Join communities online (Facebook groups, TikTok, and there’s even a Japa community on Fusion) where people share legit experiences, do’s and don’ts, and approved agents.
– Don’t be desperate. The more desperate you are, the more you look like lunch to fraudsters. Take your time. Ask questions. Cross-check documents. Google EVERYTHING.
While you plan, don’t let your japa money sit idle.
Instead of leaving it in a random savings account earning 3% per year, save on Fusion and invest with Bamboo to earn in dollars. That’s right; naira in, dollars out. It’s like having a side hustle for your money while you wait for your visa.
The truth is: Japa is not cheap. It’s not easy. And definitely not something to entrust to someone whose “office” is a Telegram group and whose idea of a contract is “I got you bro.”
Be vigilant. Be smart. And remember, if someone promises you Canada for ₦50k, what you’ll get is heartbreak. Your dream of living abroad is valid but make sure the road you take isn’t paved with Yahoo Pro Max energy.
Join the Japa community on Fusion for more tips, experiences, and banter with fellow japa enthusiasts.
